Your first visit to the Seychelles and what to expect
Good to know before your first visit to the Seychelles
Your first visit to the Seychelles
The Seychelles are far more than a beautiful destination with world-class beaches, clear azure water and remarkable ecology. Discover the many faces of the archipelago!
If all you want is to relax and unwind, the Seychelles offer everything you need! Mahé alone has 65 beaches to choose from: some framed by ancient granite boulders, others fringed with palms, some in the heart of the tourist centres, most wonderfully quiet and empty. Soak up the invigorating tropical sun, or join one of the many exciting excursions and activities and experience the Seychelles with all your senses!
The main island, Mahé, is home to the international airport and to Victoria, one of the smallest capitals in the world. Victoria is the cultural and economic heart of the Seychelles. Most of the tourist infrastructure is here too: the widest choice of accommodation, hotspots for culture and ecotourism, great restaurants, bars, cafés and casinos, as well as dive centres, car hire, fishing and sailing boat rental, and hiking and nature trails.
But Mahé is only one of many islands, because the Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 small islands in the Indian Ocean. Each has its own character, its own secrets and its own history. Island hopping between the 16 islands that currently offer accommodation is easy, with regular flights and ferry connections that fit almost any itinerary. Whether you choose the luxury of a 5-star resort, the charm of a small hotel, a self-catering apartment or a picturesque Creole guesthouse, attentive service and a friendly smile are guaranteed everywhere!
Your first stop may be Praslin, the second largest island of the Seychelles. Its remarkable flora once led people to believe they had truly found the Garden of Eden here. Just a few steps into this unique forest, known as the Vallée de Mai, will show you why. Here, in this primeval setting among towering palms, grows the unique coco de mer palm, whose fruit recalls the curves of a woman's pelvis. Listen to the sounds of nature, take in the surroundings, and at dusk you may even spot one of the rarest birds in the world, the Seychelles black parrot. After a short walk through this forest, a visit to Anse Lazio, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, is a natural next step. But Anse Lazio is not the only beach where swimming is a joy. As on many other beaches, you can enjoy typical Creole cooking here in a relaxed atmosphere, looking out over the sea with your feet in the sand.
The island of La Digue is just 30 minutes by boat from Praslin. Ox carts ambling past and bicycles are the main means of transport on the island. Here it almost feels as if time has stood still. Still deeply rooted in its traditions, La Digue is one of the most popular places to enjoy the incomparable island life and its unhurried rhythm.
Adventures in the Seychelles
Would you rather let your imagination wander to distant horizons? To where the low-lying coral islands and atolls lie scattered like stepping stones across the Indian Ocean. On some of these romantic "Robinson Crusoe islands" you will now find everything from impressive resorts, whose elegant accommodation blends gently into the natural surroundings, to rustic island lodges with cosy beach cottages. All of them offer adventure, excellent food and the chance to experience the best that unspoilt nature has to offer!
Looking for adventure on the ocean? The Seychelles offer some of the best sailing in the world: manageable distances, safe anchorages and countless islands, near and far, just waiting for you to discover them. Several charter companies offer modern fleets of crewed or bareboat monohulls and catamarans.
If you are a diver, beginner or advanced, the Seychelles are exactly the right place. A dive in the spectacular underwater landscape, teeming with life, guarantees an unforgettable diving holiday. Various professional dive operators offer diving and live-aboard trips to exceptional dive sites where few have been before you.
You do not have to venture far offshore to land a catch in the fish-rich waters of the Seychelles. Deep-sea fishing can, with a little luck, bring you a wide variety of local marine life, such as tuna, barracuda, mackerel, jacks, rainbow runner, sailfish or the mighty marlin. Bonefishing in the Outer Islands counts among the best fishing experiences in the world, and some of the tastiest fish are caught here.
The romantic flair of the Seychelles has earned them the nickname "Islands of Love". Whether you want to celebrate your wedding or a special anniversary, enjoy your honeymoon or simply find a romantic hideaway for some well-earned time together, the possibilities are almost endless. Enjoy the Creole ambience in one of our romantic hotels or guesthouses, or on a small "Robinson Crusoe island". Secret little coves, romantic restaurants and walks at sunset leave lasting memories. Relax with one of the "in-house" pampering programmes for body and soul, or with classic spa treatments.
Back to Travel suggestions for the Seychelles or to Romantic holidays
